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The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was specifically developed to assess disease severity and functional ability in fibromyalgia patients. In 2009, a revised version of the FIQ was published, the FIQR; this version achieved a better balance among different domains (function, overall impact, symptoms). Here, we present the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). Female fibromyalgia patients (n = 106) completed an online survey consisting of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the original FIQ, and the Brazilian Portuguese FIQR, which was translated by a standard method. Validity was established with correlational analyses between the FIQR, FIQ, and SF-36 items. Three domains were established for the FIQR (function, overall impact, symptoms), and their contribution for the SF-36 subscales was also scrutinized. The Brazilian FIQR validation process showed that the questions performed in a very similar way to the original English FIQR. The new questions in the FIQR symptoms domain (memory, balance, tenderness, and environmental sensitivity) revealed a significant impact in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. The Brazilian Portuguese FIQR demonstrated excellent reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96. There was a gain on weight of the function domain and a decrease of the symptom domain, leading to a better balance among domains. The FIQR predicted a great number of SF-36 subscales, showing good convergent validity. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the FIQR was validated and found to be a reliable, easy-to-use, and score FM-specific questionnaire that should prove useful in routine clinical practice and FM-related research.

The solvation and the solvatochromic behavior of the 5-(methylthio)-5'-nitro-2,2'-bithiophene 1 in diethyl ether, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, methanol and formamide was theoretically investigated with an iterative molecular and quantum mechanics (QM/MM) approach. Calculated longest-wavelength solvatochromic absorption band of 1, obtained as averages of statistically uncorrelated configurations, including the solute and explicit solvent molecules of the first and second solvation layer, were in excellent agreement with the experimental results.

The thermohalochromic behavior of Reichardt's E(T)(30) betaine - the temperature-dependent variation of its halochromic band in the presence of a cation - was investigated for the first time in NaI solutions of HBD- (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol) and non-HBD-solvents (acetonitrile, dimethylformamide) at 15 and 55 °C. The solvent-dependent thermohalochromism of the pyridinium-N-phenolate betaine dye was interpreted in terms of the effect of the temperature on the dye-cation association in solution., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Perceived improvement has been proposed as an important patient-reported outcome measure in mental health services evaluation. One advantage of this measure is that it can indicate whether other outcome measures, as pre-post differences in symptoms, correspond to a noticeable impact in patients' lives, as assessed by themselves. This study investigated the association between observer and self-reported symptomatic changes and perceived improvement by patients treated in two Brazilian outpatient mental health services. Significant and positive correlations were found between perceived improvement scores and both pre-post differences, obtained in observer-reported and patient-reported symptom scores. Nevertheless, scores of perceived improvement showed to be more correlated to patient-reported than to the observer-rated symptomatic change score. In addition, a greater correlation was found between perceived improvement scores and post-treatment symptom scores, compared to pre-treatment. These results suggest that an improvement in symptom severity, measured by pre-post differences scores, corresponds to the patient perception that he is actually better than before. However, the correlations found were moderate, suggesting that other factors may also be related to perceived improvement and must be investigated in further studies.

The scope of this study was to evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular disease among bus drivers in Montes Claros in the state of Minas Gerais. A semi-structured questionnaire covering personal, anthropometric, professional and labor-related data was used, in addition to a questionnaire on the level of stress. 53 bus drivers were surveyed and the average age was 30 to 39 years of age. 81.1% were non-smokers; 58% of the sample were teetotalers; and 50% took regular exercise. In the assessment of BMI, 40 drivers (75.4%) were overweight. The prevalence in eating habits revealed excess consumption of sugar (66.0%), fat (64.2%), coffee (69.8%), salt (60.4%), coca cola (64.2%) and soft drinks (54.7%). Among reports of chronic diseases, no diabetic (98.1%) or hypertensive (94.3%) drivers were observed. Most of the sample (69.7%) had normal stress levels. With respect to laboratory data, the vast majority of drivers had hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. HDL levels were satisfactory, and the LDL revealed normal and desirable levels in more than half of the sample. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was low.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of chemical disinfection and storage duration on the flexural strength of acrylic resins commonly used to make ocular prostheses., Methods: A total of 260 samples were manufactured with N1 resin and colourless resin. Both resins were thermopolymerised using a microwave oven. Samples were stored and periodically disinfected and were divided into groups: control (no disinfection) (I), neutral soap (II), Opti-free (III), Efferdent (IV), 1% hypochlorite (V) or 4% chlorhexidine (VI). The flexural strength was measured before and after 60 and 120 days of storage. Data were analysed by anova and Tukey test (0.05)., Results: The flexural strength of the N1 resin was higher than that for the colourless resin. There was a significant difference in the flexural strength before and after 60 and 120 days of storage with disinfection, regardless of the resin and disinfectant. Group I in the initial period exhibited greater flexural strength, with significant difference only in group VI after 120 days., Conclusion: It can be concluded that the flexural strength only changed after 120 days of storage for samples disinfected with chlorhexidine. However, all flexural strength values obtained herein were acceptable clinical limits for the acrylic resins., (© 2011 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Comparison of the (1) H and (13)  C NMR spectra of a series of substituted 5-benzylidene-N,N'-dimethylbarbituric acids (1) revealed chemical-shift variations of different centers that correlated with the theoretical electrophilicities or with the substituent electrophilic constant σ(ω) , in an example of the usefulness of these DFT-based indices., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of radiation in osseointegrated dental implants installed in tibiae of rats., Material and Methods: Screw-shaped implants (2.5 mm diameter by 3.5 mm length) were custom made from commercially pure titanium bars. Titanium implants were blasted and sterilized before implantation. Animals were divided into two groups of 12 animals each and the rats were not paired after the groups' formation. The experimental group (group 1) received external irradiation 4 weeks after surgery while in the control group (group 2) animals were kept free of radiation. The shear strength required to detach the implant from bone was measured by push-out testing and osseointegration was histologically evaluated., Results: Results showed that the compressive strength of irradiated implants (33.49 MPa) was significantly lower than the compressive strength of non-irradiated implants (48.05 MPa)., Conclusions: We concluded that the mechanical strength bonding between implants and host tissues decreased after irradiation., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

By contrast with the negative halochromic behaviour shown by phenolate betaines in the presence of alkaline and alkaline-earth cations, the addition of tetraalkylammonium salts to hydroxylic solutions of these dyes generate bathochromic shifts of their charge-transfer band. This positive halochromic behaviour by organic cations was examined systematically and its origin rationalized by nonspecific changes of the medium permittivity, and by specific dye-cation interactions in solution., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purposes of this study were to photoelastically measure the biomechanical behavior of 4 implants retaining different cantilevered bar mandibular overdenture designs and to compare a fixed partial denture (FPD). A photoelastic model of a human edentulous mandible was fabricated, which contained 4 screw-type implants (3.75 × 10 mm) embedded in the parasymphyseal area. An FPD and 3 overdenture designs with the following attachments were evaluated: 3 plastic Hader clips, 1 Hader clip with 2 posterior resilient cap attachments, and 3 ball/O-ring attachments. Vertical occlusal forces of 100 N were applied between the central incisor and unilaterally to the right and left second premolars and second molars. Stresses that developed in the supporting structure were monitored photoelastically and recorded photographically. The results showed that the anterior loading, the overdenture with 3 plastic Hader clips, displayed the largest stress concentration at the medium implant. With premolar loading, the FPD and overdenture with 3 plastic Hader clips displayed the highest stresses to the ipsilateral terminal implant. With molar loading, the overdenture with 3 ball/O-ring attachments displayed the most uniform stress distribution in the posterior edentulous ridge, with less overloading in the terminal implant. It was concluded that vertical forces applied to the bar-clip overdenture and FPD created immediate stress patterns of greater magnitude and concentration on the ipsilateral implants, whereas the ball/O-ring attachments transferred minimal stress to the implants. The increased cantilever in the FPD caused the highest stresses to the terminal implant.

Titanium and its alloys have been used as bone-replacement implants due to their excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, a titanium coating is a bioinert material and cannot bond chemically to bone tissue. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of alkaline treatment and heat treatment on the formation of calcium phosphate layer on the surface of a Ti-7.5Mo alloy after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). Thirty six titanium alloy plates were assigned into two groups. For group I, samples were immersed in a 5.0-M NaOH aqueous solution at 80°C for 72 h, washed with distilled water and dried at 40°C for 24 h. For group II, after the alkaline treatment, samples were heat-treated at 600°C for 1 h in an electrical furnace in air. Then, all samples were immersed in SBF for 7 or 14 days to allow the formation of a calcium phosphate coating on the surface. The surfaces were characterized using SEM, EDS, AFM and contact angle measurements.

This article analyzes the use of the concept of subjectivity in the public health field, associated with the historical and institutional conditions that demanded it. The main methodological strategy was a search in specific journals and reference books from the field. We identified three functions in the use of the concept of subjectivity, associating them primarily with external variables (trajectory in the health movement and institutionalization of the Unified National Health System - SUS) and secondarily with internal variables (logic of the theoretical/conceptual field). The functions discuss subjectivity as: (1) an element for conceiving the social action by political actors in the Health Reform project; (2) a strategy for problematizing health care and management as inter-subjective practices; and (3) a substrate for the production of autonomy for individuals and collectives. In their external variables, the three functions are established as processes for building micro and macro policies for the consolidation of the SUS.

Background: Considering that an increasing number of patients are victims of mutilator surgical resections, these studies are important for treatment success of rehabilitation of patients presenting oronasal communication., Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the stress distribution through photoelasticity in palatal obturator prostheses with different attachment systems for implants., Methods: Two photoelastic models were obtained from an experimental maxillary model presenting an oronasal communication. One model was fabricated without implant, and the other with 2 implants 10 mm in length inserted in the left crest. Four colorless palatal obturator prostheses were fabricated. One prosthesis presented no attachment system, whereas the remaining prostheses were adapted to 3 attachment systems. The assembly was positioned in a circular polariscope for application of axial load., Results: The results were based on photographic records of stress in the photoelastic model submitted to loading. The records revealed higher stress concentration on the bar-clip system followed by the O'ring/bar-clip and O'ring systems, respectively. A homogeneous stress distribution was observed on the photoelastic model with the mucous-supported prosthesis., Conclusions: The attachment systems generated different characteristics of stress distribution that was concentrated surrounding the implants. The bar-clip system exhibited the highest stress concentration on the alveolar crest.

The fragmentation patterns of nine di-, tri- and tetracyclic hydroquinones with potential antitumor activity were rationalized by invoking competing mechanisms that included sterically accelerated homolytic cleavage, Meerwein-type rearrangements and dehydrations through elimination or intramolecular nucleophilic substitution., (Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

A spectral investigation of the thermochromic behavior of Reichardt's E(T)(30) betaine in aqueous solutions of block copolymers ("poloxamers") P407, P237 and P105 was carried out as a function of temperature and concentration. The betaine microenvironment at various stages of the micellization process in these systems was mimicked with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations of model systems. These consisted of the E(T)(30) probe in boxes of water molecules, in the presence of an isolated block copolymer of formula (PEO)(11)-(PPO)(16)-(PEO)(11), and of a micelle formed of 50 of these unimers., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the stress distribution of the retention systems (screwed and cemented) for implant-supported fixed partial dentures by means of photoelastic method. Two models were made of photoelastic resin PL-2 with 2 implants (phi = 4.00 x 10 mm) located in the second premolar and molar region in each photoelastic model, varying the retention system (screwed and cemented). The implant-supported fixed partial dentures were standardized and made of Ni-Cr alloy. Axial and oblique (45 degrees) forces of 100 N were applied on the occlusal surface by means of a Universal Testing Machine (EMIC-DL 3000; São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil). The results were observed and photographed in the field of a circular polariscope and qualitatively analyzed with the aid of computer software (Adobe Photoshop, San Jose, CA). The screw retention system presented the highest number of fringes when the loads were applied on the premolar, pontic, and molar and showed this behavior in all load applications, under axial and oblique loads. It was concluded that there was a better stress distribution and lower magnitude of stress on the cemented implant-supported dentures, under axial and oblique loads. Oblique load caused an increase in stress concentrations in all the models.

The lipoxygenases (LOX) are a family of non-heme iron-containing dioxygenases which catalyze the stereospecific insertion of molecular oxygen into arachidonic acid, leading to hydroxy derivatives as end products. In this work, we docked arachidonic acid and two of its competitive inhibitors, flavonoids baicalein and quercetin, into the binding pockets of human 12- and 15-lipoxygenase. Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were employed to study the unbinding processes of the substrate and inhibitors from the two isoforms.

Ageing is associated with several alterations in the immune system. Our aim in this study was to compare the development of immunity to Schistosoma mansoni infection in young versus aged C57Bl/6 mice using the liver as the main organ to evaluate pathological alterations and immune responses. In the acute phase, young mice had large liver granulomas with fibrosis and inflammatory cells. Chronic phase in young animals was associated with immunomodulation of granulomas that became reduced in size and cellular infiltrate. On the other hand, aged animals presented granulomas of smaller sizes already in the acute phase. Chronic infection in these mice was followed by no alteration in any of the inflammatory parameters in the liver. In concert with this finding, there was an increase in activated CD4+ T, CD19+ B and NK liver cells in young mice after infection whereas old mice had already higher frequencies of activated B, NK and CD4+ T liver cells and infection does not change these frequencies. After infection, liver production of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 increased in young but not in old mice that had high levels of IL-4 and IL-10 regardless of their infection status. Our data suggest that the unspecific activation status of the immune system in aged mice impairs inflammatory as well as regulatory immune responses to S. mansoni infection in the liver, where major pathological alterations and immunity are at stage. This poor immune reactivity may have a beneficial impact on disease development.

Implants in craniofacial reconstructions improve prostheses retention and stability, comfort, and safety for the patient. According to biomechanical principles, the treatment success regarding osseointegration maintenance depends on an adequate surgery technique associated to a retention system that provides favorable tension distribution to implants. Implants in the mastoid area are a very important aid for retention of auricular prostheses. Color stability of resin and silicone is an important factor for longevity of auricular prostheses, and the high degree of satisfaction of patients with head and neck defects receiving epithesial reconstruction in the maxillofacial region is demonstrated.

Purpose: To evaluate the factors leading to delays in obtaining definitive diagnosis of suspicious lesions for breast cancer., Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out with 104 women attending a cancer hospital with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of breast cancer. A semistructured questionnaire on the patients' demographic, clinical characteristics and the use of services was applied.Variables were compared using t-Student test, Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi2 test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. In order to identify the variables associated with delays in breast cancer diagnosis, the Odds Ratio (OR) were calculated together with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and a logistic regression model was constructed., Results: Age of patients was 54+/-12.6 years (mean+/-standard deviation). Most of the women were white (48.1%), married (63.5%), living in the city of Rio de Janeiro (57.7%) and poorly educated (60.6%). The median time between the first sign or symptom of the disease and first consultation was one month and the mean time between first consultation and confirmation of diagnosis was 6.5 months. In 51% of the women, diagnosis was late (stages II-IV). Symptomatic presentation and longer delay between symptom onset and the first evaluation and between symptom onset and the diagnosis were found to be significant factors (p<0.05) for delays in obtaining definitive diagnosis of suspicious lesions., Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that efforts must be made to reduce the time needed to get an appointment with a doctor and to confirm a diagnosis of suspicious lesions, as well as to educate physicians and the women themselves regarding the importance of breast symptoms and the value of prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Unlabelled: Soft linings are materials used to reduce the tension and forces of mastication, forming all or part of the fitting surface of a denture. This study evaluated the effect of thermocycling on water absorption, solubility, Shore A hardness and color stability of permanent soft liner materials., Material and Methods: Two chemically activated soft liner materials (Sofreliner S; GC Reline Ultrasoft) were tested. Twenty cylindrical specimens (30.0 x 1.0 mm) were prepared for measuring water absorption and solubility and another twenty (30.0 x 3 mm) for analyzing Shore A hardness and color stability. Color was measured by a spectrophotometer before and after 2000 thermocycles. A one-way ANOVA test and Tukey test at a 5% confidence level (p<0.05) were performed., Results: The results did not show statistical differences for water absorption, solubility or color stability. The post-thermocycling Shore A hardness values were significantly higher than those before the treatment., Conclusion: Thermocycling of soft liner materials increased Shore A hardness.

A re-examination of cuticular components of Heliotropium filifolium allowed the isolation of four new compounds: 3'-hydroxy-2',2',6'-trimethyl-3H-spiro[1-benzo-furan-2,1'-cyclohexane]-5-carboxylic acid(2), methyl 3'-acetyloxy-2',2',6'-trimethyl-3H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane]-5-carboxylate (3), methyl 3'-isopentanoyloxy-2',2',6'-trimethyl-3H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane]-5-carboxylate (4) and methyl 3'-benzoyloxy-2',2',6'-trimethyl-3H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane]-5-carboxylate (5).Compounds 2-5 were identified by their spectroscopic analogies with filifolinol (1), and their structures confirmed by chemical correlation with 1. The antimicrobial properties of the compounds were tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Some of them proved to be active against Gram positive, but inactive against Gram negative bacteria. In searching for structure-activity relationships from the obtained MIC values, lipophilicity was shown to be an important variable.

An analysis of the antibacterial activities of 15 terpenoids, eleven of which were previously described by us and four were extracted from the literature, suggested two structural requirements for activity of these and related compounds: a hydrophobic moiety,consisting of a substituted decalin skeleton, and a hydrophilic region possessing one hydrogen-bond-donor group. These structural requirements are responsible for an optimal insertion of these and related compounds into cell membranes, as suggested by the results of docking some of these compounds into a model phospholipid bilayer.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of three commercial mouthwashes on the corrosion resistance of Ti-10Mo experimental alloy. Experiments were made at 37.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C in a conventional three-compartment double wall glass cell containing commercial mouthwashes. Three mouthwashes with different active ingredients were tested: (I) 0.05% sodium fluoride + 0.03% triclosan; (II) 0.5 g/l cetylpyridinium chloride + 0.05% sodium fluoride; (III) 0.12% chlorohexidine digluconate. The assessment of the individual effect of active ingredients was studied by using 0.05% sodium fluoride. Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) was used as control. Microstructures from Ti-10Mo experimental alloy and CP Ti were also evaluated using optical microscopy. Ti-10Mo as-cast alloy shows the typical rapidly cooled dendrites microstructure (beta phase) while CP Ti has exhibited a metastable martensitic microstructure. Electrochemical behavior of dental materials here studied was more affected by mouthwash type than by Ti alloy composition or microstructure. In both alloys passivation phenomenon was observed. This process may be mainly related to Ti oxides or other Ti species present in spontaneously formed film. Small differences in passive current densities values may be connected with changes in film porosity and thickness. Protective characteristics of this passive film are lower in 0.05% sodium fluoride + 0.03% triclosan mouthwash than in the other two mouthwashes tested.

The antibacterial activity of Haplopappus uncinatus is attributed to a new clerodane diterpenoid, 18-acetoxy-cis-cleroda-3-en-15-oic acid (10 betaH, 16 xi 19 beta, 17beta, 20 alpha form) (1), isolated as a major component from the resinous exudates of its twigs and leaves, together with the inactive 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone, n-alkanes and a few sesquiterpenoids.

A histological study was conducted of the alveolar bone healing process following tooth extraction of dehydrated rats after the implantation of fibrin adhesive (TISSUCOL) associated to previous irrigation of the wound with a 5% epsilon aminocaproic acid solution (EACA). Seventy two rats were used, divided into three groups receiving different treatments after the surgical procedure. In group I, the gingival mucosa was sutured after extraction of the right upper incisor. In groups II and III, chronic dehydration was produced by water deprivation for 9 days (3 days in the preoperative period and 6 days in the postoperative period). In the animals of Group II, after tooth extraction, the gingival mucosa was sutured in the same way as performed in group I. In group III, after extraction, the dental socket was irrigated with 5% EACA, followed by implantation of the fibrin adhesive (TISSUCOL). The mucosa was sutured in the same way as performed in the other groups. At 3, 7, 15 and 21 postoperative days, the animals were sacrificed in number of 6 for each group. Specimens containing the dental socket were removed and fixed in 10% formalin and decalcified in an equal part formic acid and sodium citrate solution. After routine processing, the specimens were embedded in paraffin for microtomy. We obtained 6 microm semi-serial slices that were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation. The results showed that the water deprivation in the pre- and postoperative periods caused a delay in the alveolar bone healing process. The use of the fibrin adhesive (TISSUCOL) produced an improvement in the fibrinolytic picture caused by dehydration.

The in vitro monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) activities of 11 heteroarylisopropylamines vis-à-vis MAO-A and MAO-B were described and interpreted in terms of possible interactions with the enzyme active site. Molecular dynamics simulations allowed a comparison between the most active MAO-A inhibitor of the series, the 1-(2-benzofuryl)-2-aminopropane, and the specific, analogous MAO-A substrate serotonin.

The aim of the study was to evaluate wound healing repair of dental sockets after topical application of 5% epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and the use of fibrin adhesive implant in rats under anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Sixty Albinus wistar rats were used, divided into three groups of 20. In Group I, the animals were given 0.1 mL/100 mg of 0.9% saline solution per day, beginning 6 days before dental extraction and continuing throughout the experimental period. In Group II, the animals received 0.03 mL of sodium warfarin daily, beginning 6 days before the surgery and continuing until the day of sacrifice; after tooth extractions, the sockets were filled with fibrin adhesive material. In Group III the animals were treated as in Group II, and after extractions, the sockets were irrigated with 5 mL of 5% EACA and filled with the same fibrin adhesive material. All groups presented biological phases of wound healing repair, the differences being evident only in the chronology. The results obtained in Group III were very similar to those of Group I in the last period of wound repair, whereas Group II presented a late chronology compared to the other groups., ((c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

In each of the five title compounds, namely 5-benzylidene-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, C13H12N2O3, (I), 5-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, C14H14N2O4, (II), 5-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, C14H14N2O4, (III), 5-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, C15H17N3O3, (IV), and 5-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, C21H28N2O4, (V), which crystallizes with Z' = 2 in P-1, there is a very wide C-C-C angle at the methine C atom linking the two rings, ranging from 137.1 (2) degrees in (I) to 139.14 (14) degrees in (III). There is evidence for intramolecular charge separation in (IV) and, to a lesser degree, in (III). The molecules of (I)-(III) are linked by pairs of C-H...O hydrogen bonds into chains of edge-fused rings, with alternating R(2)2(14) and R(2)2(16) rings in (I), alternating R(2)2(14) and R(4)4(20) rings in (II), with two types of R(2)2(16) rings alternating in (III). The molecules in (IV) are linked by a single C-H...O hydrogen bond into simple C(8) chains, but there are no direction-specific intermolecular interactions in (V).

Twenty-nine arylisopropylamines, substituted at the beta-position of their side chain by an oxo, hydroxy, or methoxy group, were evaluated in vitro as MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. The oxo derivatives ('cathinones') were in general less active as MAO-A inhibitors than the corresponding arylisopropylamines, but exhibited an interesting MAO-B inhibiting activity, which was absent in the hydroxy, methoxy, and beta-unsubstituted analogues. These results suggest that selective affinity for the two MAO isoforms in this family of compounds is modulated not only by the aryl substitution pattern but also by the side-chain substituents on the arylalkylamine scaffold.

The 13C NMR of two solvatochromic dyes derived from a barbituric acid acceptor and dimethylaminophenyl donor fragments, compound 1 and the related merocyanine 2, were recorded in various solvents. The observed chemical-shift variations were used to interpret their structural differences and solvatochromic behavior in solution.

The HOMO energies and the charges on the aromatic carbons of two sets of MAO-A-inhibiting phenylisopropylamines, one containing 4-amino substituents, were calculated by the AM1 method, in order to evaluate the importance of charge-transfer interactions between drug and enzyme. Multiple-linear regressions of the pIC50 values on the calculated descriptors were performed with 33 compounds from the two sets, and separately with each set. A poor correlation was obtained when the two sets were merged, as a result of opposing trends shown by the two separate sets. These opposing trends were reconciled by invoking a partial protonation of the basic 4-amino substituents by a hydrogen-bond-donor fragment of the enzyme. The resulting analysis indicated that electron-rich rings and higher HOMO levels tended to increase activity. This model received support from the evaluation of the IMAO activity of four new phenylisopropylamines.

The preparation and the solvatochromic behavior of two dyes, obtained by condensation of N,N'-dimethylbarbituric acid with dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and with 4,4'-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)benzophenone (Michler's ketone) are described. The latter dye is rather sensitive to the polarity of the medium, and in particular, to the hydrogen-bond-donor ability of protic solvents. The solvatochromism of both compounds is discussed in terms of the pi* and E(T)(30) solvent polarity scales and their differences in behavior interpreted with the aid of semiempirical calculations.

Aminoguanidine is a drug known for more than a century, which has been attracting increasing interest in recent years due to the discovery of new pharmacological properties. This study investigated the effects of aminoguanidine on the fibrotic response induced by intratracheal administration of bleomycin to rats. Three groups of animals were studied: Group A (n = 19) corresponded to the control group. Group B (n = 20) received 10 IU/kg bleomycin intratracheal, and Group C (n = 12) received the same amount of bleomycin as Group B followed by 50 mg/kg/day aminoguanidine bicarbonate for 4 weeks. Aminoguanidine led to significant reductions in total hydroxyproline content of the lungs in Group C compared to Group B (Group A: 1.83+/-0.14 mg x Group B: 3.46+/-0.36 mg x Group C: 2.09+/-0.22 mg). Morphometric collagen studies carried out on histological sections stained with Sirius red F3BA showed that aminoguanidine promoted a significant reduction of the area occupied by collagen in the axial and septal zones of the lungs (Axial region = Group A: 4.29+/-1.31% x Group B: 19.30+/-4.86% x Group C: 8.52+/-1.96%; Septal region = Group A: 0.15+/-0.06% x Group B: 0.61+/-0.21% x Group C: 0.15+/-0.06%). These results suggest that aminoguanidine is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of pulmonary fibrosis which is associated with different clinical conditions.

The antimicrobial properties of the resinous exudate from twigs and leaves of a population of Pseudognaphalium vira vira were re-examined against five Gram positive bacteria. The observed decrease in the antimicrobial activity might reflect a change in the diterpenoid composition of the exudate. The title compound 2 was isolated in substantial amount, together with ent-16-kauren-19-oic acid (1), and its structure determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.

1. Ten racemic beta-alkoxy-beta-phenylethylamines were found to elicit concentration-dependent contraction of the isolated rat thoracic aorta with apparent pD2 values in the 4.56-6.76 range. With one exception, which produces the same maximal contraction (Emax) as serotonin (5-HT), the Emax values attained with these compounds are lower than those produced by either 5-HT or norepinephrine (NE). 2. Pretreatment with either prazosin or ketanserin (10(-8) M) leads in most cases to decreased Emax values and slopes in the dose-response curves. Apparent serotonergic (pD2S) and adrenergic (pD2A) pD2 values going from 4.22 to 6.08 (pD2S) and from 3.87 to 5.27 (pD2A) were calculated from results obtained in the presence of prazosin or ketanserin, respectively. 3. In the 10(-7)-10(-5) M range, and in contrast with the results obtained with the previous compounds, BON [(+/-)-2-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-2-methoxy-ethylamine] behaves as an antagonist to both 5-HT and NE (apparent pA2 = 7.08 and 7.45, respectively) in this preparation.

The effects of Tissucol on alveolar healing following stress were evaluated histologically, comparing three groups of 28 male albino rats each. Stress was applied and their right upper incisors were extracted. Group A served as an empty control site. In Group B, Tissucol was applied into the alveolar cavity. Group C received local antifibrinolytic treatment (alveolar irrigation with epsilon-aminocaproic acid solution) before implant of Tissucol into the tooth socket. Four animals in each group were killed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 15, 21 and 24 days after surgery. Results showed that: 1) Tissucol did not interfere with connective and osseous tissue formation; 2) Tissucol allowed new bone formation; 3) Tissucol residues in Group B in sections of 24-day specimens did not impair healing; 4) Tissucol was usually completely resorbed and healing was complete 24 days after surgery in Group C.

The effects of Tissucol and Tissucol/EACA on bone healing were evaluated histologically. Experimental defects were made in both tibias of 25 rats. Test materials were placed in defects in right tibias and left tibias served as control. Five animals in each group were killed at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery. Results showed that: a) Tissucol did not interfere with connective and osseous tissue formation; b) Tissucol allowed new bone formation; c) Tissue residues in Tissucol groups in sections of 21-day specimens did not impair healing; d) Tissucol/EACA was usually completely resorbed and healing was complete 21 days after surgery in the Tissucol/EACA group.

The interference of a blood clot in the first postoperative hours of dental extraction wounds was studied in rats. Sixty male albino rats were divided into two groups: Group I, immediately after extraction of right maxillary incisor the gingival mucosa was approximated and sutured; Group II, after 6 to 8 minutes postoperatively the blood clot was removed with saline irrigation and absorbent paper cones. The mucosa was then approximated and sutured. Six animals in each group were sacrificed after 12 hours, 1, 4, 7 and 10 days. There was a profound delay in healing in Group II since, although a new blood clot was later formed, it was not organized. The quality and the constitution, maintenance and retraction of the clot are the regulating factors in connective tissue formation during alveolar healing.